Alstroemeria achirae facts for kids
Alstroemeria achirae is a beautiful flowering plant. It is a type of perennial plant, which means it lives for more than two years. This plant grows from rhizomes, which are like underground stems. It belongs to the plant family called Alstroemeriaceae. You can only find Alstroemeria achirae in Chile, especially in the Maule Region. This makes it an endemic species, meaning it grows naturally in only one specific area.
Quick facts for kids Alstroemeria achirae |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Alstroemeria
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| Species: |
achirae
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Contents
What Does Alstroemeria achirae Look Like?
This plant is quite small, usually growing to about 12 centimeters (about 5 inches) tall. Its leaves are long and narrow, like a spearhead. They can be green or a mix of green and reddish colors. The edges of the leaves are usually smooth, or just slightly wavy.
The flowers of Alstroemeria achirae are very pretty. They are mostly yellow but have pink colors near the tips. You can also see pink stripes on the top part of the flowers. Inside the flowers, there are thick, yellow parts called anthers. These plants typically bloom during the summer months in Chile, from December to February.
How Was Alstroemeria achirae Named?
Scientists give plants special names to help identify them. This plant was first described by two scientists, Mélica Muñoz-Schick and Brinck. They officially published their findings in a science journal called Gayana, Botanic in the year 2000.
The name Alstroemeria was given to this group of plants by a famous Swedish scientist named Carl Linnaeus. He named it after his friend, Baron Clas Alströmer, who was also a botanist from Sweden.
The second part of the name, achirae, comes from another plant. The flowers of Alstroemeria achirae look a bit like the flowers of a plant commonly known as "achira" (which is Canna). That's how it got its unique name!
Where Does Alstroemeria achirae Grow?
This special plant only grows in a very specific area in Chile. It was first found on the top of Los Queñes mountain, which is in the Teno area of the Maule Region.
It has also been seen growing in the valley of the Teno River. This area stretches from a town called Romeral all the way to Los Queñes. Because it grows in such a small, specific place, it is considered an endemic species.
See also
In Spanish: Alstroemeria achirae para niños
